Falcons to check out Vick

Flowery Branch, Ga.  Once the draft is completed this weekend, the Atlanta Falcons intend to find out if quarterback Michael Vick knew about an alleged dog-fighting ring at a home he owns in Virginia.

The organization made its first public comment on the case when general manager Rich McKay and coach Bobby Petrino met with the media after the Falcons selected Jamaal Anderson with their first-round pick Saturday.

McKay said he hadn't had time to study the case because of the draft.

"I don't want to say I've neglected it, but it's not something I've been able to focus on," the GM said. "I do want to get further into it and focus on it next week."

Vick denied any involvement in the case Friday, blaming relatives for taking advantage of his generosity. The quarterback claimed he never had been to the home, even though he owns it.

Officers searched the home after Vick's cousin, who lives there, was arrested in a drug investigation. They found neglected animals and evidence of dog fighting, including veterinary medications, treadmills for training and blood-soaked carpets similar to the ones used in fight pits.